Resting in the Stern

THERE is a reason, brothers and sisters, why I feel Heaven wants to do this Lenten Retreat this year, that up until now, I have not voiced. But I feel this is the moment to speak about it. The reason is that a violent spiritual Storm is bearing down all around us. The winds of “change” are blowing hard; the waves of confusion are spilling over the bow; the Barque of Peter is beginning to rock… and in the midst of it, Jesus is inviting you and me to the stern.

Let’s look at the Gospel accounts of that storm that Jesus and the disciples experienced, because I think there is something powerful here to teach us.

[Jesus] got into a boat and his disciples followed him (Matt 8:23)… they took him with them in the boat, just as he was (Mark 4:36). Suddenly a violent storm came up on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by waves (Matt 8:24), but he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion (Mark 4:38). They were filling with water and were in danger. And they went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” (Luke 8:23-24). He said to them, “Why are you terrified, O you of little faith?” (Matt 8:26). And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. (Mark 4:39). He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” (Mark 4:40).

Now, the word “storm” in Matthew means literally “earthquake”. In the footnotes of the revised New American Bible, it says it is..

…a word commonly used in apocalyptic literature for the shaking of the old world when God brings in his kingdom. All the synoptics use it in depicting the events preceding the parousia of the Son of Man (Mt 24:7; Mk 13:8; Lk 21:11). Matthew has introduced it here and in his account of the death and resurrection of Jesus (Mt 27:51–54; 28:2). —NABre, on Matthew 8:24

Indeed, the account above begins with the disciples following Jesus into the boat. And it says that He came “just as he was.” Many today are preparing for this Storm by storing up food, supplies, weapons, etc. While there is prudence in physically preparing for the event of any catastrophe, Jesus shows us the ultimate disposition we are to have in this Storm: a heart that relies completely on Divine Providence—to follow Him “just as we are.”

Today, with the world’s economy propped up by match sticks, the nations preparing for war, the persecution of Christians intensifying, the unhinging of technology from ethics, and the Pope weekly stirring controversy with ambiguous statements, the winds and waves of this Storm have begun to pound against the hull of many hearts. Indeed, there is a tangible shaking of many people’s faith today as they cry out,

We are in danger! Master, Master! We are perishing!

But Jesus is resting on a cushion. How is it possible to rest in an open fishing boat that is being tossed on high waves to the point of sinking? Humanly speaking, it is practically impossible…

…but for God, all things are possible. (Matt 19:26)

Jesus is teaching us something crucial: that when we have a deep interior relationship with the Father, there is no storm that can shake us; no wind that can overturn us; no wave that can sink us. We might get wet; we might get cold; we might become seasick, but…

…whoever is begotten by God conquers the world. And the victory that conquers the world is our faith. (1 John 5:4)

This is why, dear brothers and sisters, it is a mistake to be fearful of the next wave; to obsess with the intensity of the winds. You will lose your peace, lose your bearings, and if you’re not careful, fall overboard. If the victory that conquers the world is our faith, then we should do as Paul says, keep…

…our eyes fixed on Jesus, the leader and perfecter of faith. (Heb 12:2)

Herein lies the heart and purpose of this Lenten Retreat: to lead you deeper into the Heart of Jesus and the Father so that your faith may grow and be perfected. So that Jesus can rise and speak into your heart: “Peace! Be still!”

So, I hope some readers will pardon me. For, at this time, I really don’t have much more to say about the economy, the collapse in morality, or the Pope. If you wish to find me, I’ll be in the stern—and I pray, with many of my retreatants. For Jesus said…

…where I am, there also will my servant be. (John 12:26)

SUMMARY AND SCRIPTURE

This Lenten Retreat is precisely the antidote to the violence of the Storm by leading you to trust and rest in the Heart of the Father.

More powerful than the roar of many waters, more powerful than the breakers of the sea, powerful in the heavens is the Lord. (Psalm 93:4)

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